Simple things many people do to stay well, from a flu shot to a walk on the rail-trail. For each one: how often, what it costs here, and where to go in Mon County.
Every fall: a flu shot
Health officials and doctors' groups agree that almost everyone 6 months and older should get one each fall. Medicare pays the full cost, and children who qualify get it free. Who, when and where to get a flu shot.
Every year: a checkup
A checkup is a visit to find problems early, before you feel sick.
On Medicare: a yearly wellness visit, once every 12 months. You pay nothing if your provider accepts Medicare. Other tests during the visit may cost extra (Medicare). New to Medicare? See Turning 65 or on Medicare.
With health insurance: most plans must cover a set of preventive services, like screening tests, at no cost when you see a doctor in your plan's network (HealthCare.gov).
No insurance: community health centers charge based on your income (HealthCare.gov). The Monongalia County Health Department clinic offers some care free or at low cost, with lower prices for people with less income. Call 304-598-5119 (source).
Regular dental checkups
Ask the dentist how often you or your child should come back.
Dental care at the Monongalia County Health Department
Children and adults. The dental clinic does checkups and cleanings, and repairs teeth when needed. It is taking new patients. It suggests a child's first visit around their first birthday. Call 304-598-5108 to make an appointment.
Cost: Accepts private pay, many insurance plans, WV Medicaid, and WVCHIP (health coverage for children). Without dental insurance, a first visit for adults 18 and older (exam and X-rays) is $125, and the cleaning costs extra. For children 5 and under without insurance, an exam, cleaning and fluoride is $75.
Adults: at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of activity like brisk walking.
Adults: muscle work, like push-ups, at least 2 days a week.
Children 6 to 17: at least 60 minutes a day.
The first step for anyone: move more and sit less.
Walk, run or bike the Mon River, Caperton and Deckers Creek rail-trails
Anyone who wants a place to walk, jog, bike or use a wheelchair. 48 miles of trail are open, with a smooth surface. In Morgantown and Star City, 8 miles are paved. See the trail maps on the Mon River Trails Conservancy site. The trails are not plowed in winter.
Cost: The trail group's site lists no fee to use the trails.
West Virginians who want to quit smoking or other tobacco. There are special programs for people who are pregnant and for people who use chew or dip. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or text 304-583-4010 to sign up. A coach helps you make a plan to quit, by phone, text or chat. WV Medicaid members can call the same number.
Cost: You may qualify for free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Ask when you call.
Call or text 988 in a mental health or emotional crisis
Anyone having a hard time, including thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or worries about alcohol or drug use. You can also call about someone else. Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day, every day. If someone is in danger right now, call 911.
Source: 988lifeline.org. Checked by hand on October 29, 2026. Free.
Guidance and cost sources checked October 29, 2026. We describe what health groups say. We do not give medical advice. Ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about what is right for you. Something out of date? Tell us.